Andhra Pradesh's Polavaram Project Set for Completion Ahead of 2027 Godavari Pushkaram
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu confirms that the ambitious Polavaram project will be completed before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram, ensuring vital water supply to drought-stricken regions.
Key Takeaways
Completion of the Polavaram project is targeted before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram.
Water supply from Godavari will benefit drought-prone areas.
The Veligonda project aims to irrigate 4.35 lakh acres.
Significant investment is being made in local infrastructure.
Government initiatives focus on horticulture development and safe drinking water access.
Amaravati, Feb 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, announced on Wednesday that the Polavaram project is set to be finished and inaugurated before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram.
He emphasized that water from the Godavari, sourced through Polavaram, will be routed to Nallamala Sagar ahead of schedule, with both Nallamala Sagar and the Veligonda projects expected to be finalized by July of this year.
During a public gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Veligonda Project feeder canal lining works, estimated at Rs 456 crore, in Ghantavanipalle, Dornala mandal, Markapuram district, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of these developments.
This marked his inaugural visit to Markapuram following its designation as a district.
Naidu reaffirmed his commitment to establishing the Markapuram district, stating that residents will no longer have to travel 150 km to Ongole for administrative purposes, thus addressing long-standing issues faced by this previously overlooked region.
He noted that the pace of work on the Veligonda project has been intensified, with the first phase expected to be completed by June next year, which will facilitate the supply of Krishna waters to this drought-affected area.
The Chief Minister inspected the ongoing Veligonda works and urged officials to accelerate progress to meet the targets set.
He conveyed that the Veligonda project aims to provide irrigation to 4.35 lakh acres, benefiting various constituencies including Giddalur, Markapuram, Yerragondapalem, and Kanigiri, as well as Udayagiri and Badvel in Kadapa district.
The total funding required for the Veligonda Project is Rs 9,081 crore, with Rs 5,451 crore already invested in construction. An additional Rs 2,540 crore is necessary to finalize the works, and the feeder canal lining works valued at Rs 456 crore have commenced.
Furthermore, he mentioned the government's initiative to promote horticulture, with aspirations to transform Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub, alongside the development of Markapuram and Prakasam districts through horticultural crops.
He assured residents of safe drinking water access for every household from Nallamala Sagar, with an investment of Rs 1,300 crore. Additionally, he announced Rs 50 crore for the construction of a new District Collectorate building in Markapuram.
After the foundation ceremony, Naidu engaged with local farmers and assessed the feeder canal developments.
He conducted an aerial inspection of the Nallamala Sagar feeder canal and held video conferences with officials at various project sites, instructing them to adhere to the outlined goals.
Point of View
Particularly in drought-prone areas. The project's completion is seen as vital for regional development and improved agricultural prospects.
NationPress
5 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Polavaram project?
The Polavaram project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River aimed at providing irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
When is the Polavaram project expected to be completed?
The project is expected to be completed before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaram.
What are the benefits of the Veligonda project?
The Veligonda project aims to provide irrigation to 4.35 lakh acres, benefiting several constituencies in Andhra Pradesh.
How much funding is required for the Veligonda project?
The Veligonda project requires Rs 9,081 crore, with Rs 5,451 crore already spent.
What initiatives is the government taking for local development?
The government aims to develop horticulture in Rayalaseema and provide safe drinking water to every household.
